Sebastian Sanchez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Mountain High School for AZPrep365.com.

Shadow Mountain returned to the diamond in preparation for its season with eyes set on returning to the playoffs and competing for the region championship.

The short-handed Matadors are going into the season with 12 players. Coach Troy Farnsworth acknowledged the challenge, but he’s confident in his players' abilities to play multiple positions.

“We’re not super deep as far as players go,'' he said. "I like the guys we have, and everybody's going to be competing for spots and get a chance to throw.”

High school baseball teams typically have 18-25 players on the roster.

Matadors baseball dugout during practice. (Sebastian Sanchez photo/AZPrep365)

“We did lose a lot of our innings on the mound last year that graduated as seniors. We lost a lot of home runs and RBIs that need to be replaced,” Farnsworth said.

He also mentioned that senior leadership will play a critical role in the team’s success this season.

With little to no room for error, limiting mistakes will be a top priority. 

Senior outfielders Tyler Hastings and Julian Collins said staying disciplined and avoiding mental errors will lead to more victories. Hastings recognizes the early season learning curve with a young team.

Finishing second in the 4A Skyline division with a record of 8-2, the team will have to overcome these obstacles to replicate their success.

Senior catcher Kyle Burchowycz looks to keep his team accountable on and off the field. “If somebody gets hurt or sick, we will start to have issues with a smaller team,” Burchowycz said.

Shadow Mountain baseball back at practice. (Sebastian Sanchez photo/AZPrep365)

The “ping” echoed across campus as they swung for the fences their first week back. With winter sports wrapping up, the focus has shifted toward the spring. Farnsworth added that he enjoys seeing his athletes play multiple sports.

Asked about the key factor this season, senior infielder Kyle Anderson quickly said, “team chemistry.” Building a bond with teammates will translate to the field.

Players and coaches are excited. They share the same goal of making the playoffs. 

“But the overall thing for me is that we just play good, hard, competitive baseball,” Farnsworth said. “That's one thing that I take pride in. Make the plays in the field, don’t give the extra bases and just be really competitive from pitch to pitch.”

The Matadors open their season against the Eastmark Firebirds at 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Shadow Mountain High School.